MYRModel Year Report

2001 Saturn LS

○ Not enough data
2001 Saturn LS
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
582
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

52% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 582 2002: 493 complaints 2002 2004: 1 complaint 2004
2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 582 2002: 493 complaints 2002 2004: 1 complaint 2004
2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 582 2002: 493 complaints 2002 2004: 1 complaint 2004

2001: 582 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000382
2001582
2002493
20041

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

52% · 305 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have had multiple problems with this car, I have had issues with the catalytic converter, a fire in the resonator and 4 or 5 times where the car just stops running and I'm not able to get it to start again for a while.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-15

Electrical system

14% · 82 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

CRASHFIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saturn L200. While parked, the contact noticed that the air conditioner would not activate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-29

Also filed under Equipment

The electrical system malfunctioned. As a result the cataylic convertor melted causing the vehicle to catch fire. Please provide additional information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-12

No summary listed for above vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-08

Exterior lighting

9% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was on my way to work, when my steering wheel started smoking. It looked like I was smoking 3 cigarettes. It had a blue color to it and smelled like an electrical problem. My bright lights flashed then stayed on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-10

Engine

7% · 41 reports

Steering

6% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

CRASHFIREDEATH

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2000-08-23Air bags00V235000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a side impact air bag system. The air bag system has a lower side impact safing sensor threshold than specified. Because of this reduced…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2000-10-27Power train00V344000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. Some of these vehicles were assembled with the transaxle shift cable clip missing or improperly seated. Without the…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transaxle shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation and, if necessary, replace the clip and adjust the cable to specifications.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2001-01-29Air bags01V026000 Vehicle description: passenger, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Telephone calls were made to owners on January 29, 2001. Follow up owner mailing began on April 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2002-12-16Air bags02V329000 On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began December 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2003-04-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-08-25 Headlamps flicker off and on
  6. R
    2003-07-01Electrical system03V231000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L L4 (L61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the…

    Remedy: Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the powertrain…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2005-02-10Defect petitionClosed 2005-02-22 Inoperative tail lamps
  8. I
    2005-02-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-06-03 Inoperative tail lamps
  9. R
    2005-10-17Exterior lighting05V245000 On certain sedans and wagons, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.

    Remedy: Dealers will install two new tail lamp reinforcing socket adapters and sockets free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2005. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2005-12-20Defect petitionClosed 2006-02-06 Timing chain failure
  11. I
    2006-01-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-06 Timing chain failure
  12. I
    2006-06-06Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-09 Timing chain failure - stall
  13. R
    2008-01-15Engine and engine cooling07V519000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2008. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2008-06-18Defect petitionClosed 2008-10-16 Timing chain failure-stall
  15. I
    2008-10-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-08 Timing chain breaks, engine stall

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 305 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 82 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 53 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V235000 · Air bags
  • Recall 00V344000 · Power train
  • Recall 01V026000 · Air bags
  • Recall 02V329000 · Air bags
  • Recall 03V231000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 05V245000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07V519000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2001 Saturn LS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn LS?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn LS have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.